[World Music] A Guide to Folk Music: A Collection of Traditional Songs from Around the Globe
Traditional and folk music has a charm that’s different from works categorized into genres like rock, jazz, or R&B, doesn’t it? It’s like you catch a glimpse of a world different from where you are now… scenes you can’t quite put into words start to unfold in your heart.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a wide variety of folk music loved around the world.
From pieces brimming with exotic flair to songs that feel surprisingly familiar, we’ve gathered a truly broad selection! Listen to the tracks featured here and open a new door.
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[World Music] Recommendations for Ethnic Music: A Compilation of Folk Songs from Around the World (31–40)
What a heartache
Violeta Parra’s “What Heartache” showcases her activist side as a musician who sought to change society through music.
It is one of the classics of Chilean—and more broadly South American—folk music, known as folklore.
As the title suggests, the piece expresses unfiltered heartache, and perhaps because of its pastoral atmosphere, the sense of melancholy feels even deeper.
The regional character and culture of folklore become more fascinating the more you look into them, so if you’re interested, by all means explore further.
Recuerdos de Ypacarai
Guarania is a musical genre born in Paraguay.
It is characterized by instrumental performances featuring the arpa, a type of harp, and melodies with a wistful atmosphere.
Paraguay has another genre called polka, which developed independently from the Czech dance and refers to pieces with a bright tone.
As you can tell by listening to the piece we’re introducing, “Recuerdos de Ypacaraí,” the sentimental musicality of guarania has a compelling charm that moves our hearts even here in distant Japan.
El Mambo
[Mambo (Cuba)] “Qué Rico el Mambo” (El Mambo), composed by Cuban musician Dámaso Pérez Prado.
Performed by the Nihon University Rhythm Society Orchestra OB Mambo Band at the Shinjuku Bunka Center.
The Latin percussion looks like a lot of fun!
Cherry Pink Cha-Cha
Cha-cha-cha is well known as a program in social and competitive dance.
It’s said that the name comes from the sound made by the steps striking the floor.
“Cherry Pink Cha-Cha” is a piece by the Spain-born composer Louigui.
Even if you don’t know how to dance it, the tune naturally makes your shoulders sway, doesn’t it? By the way, cha-cha-cha is a musical genre that evolved from mambo, another dance born in Cuba.
For that reason, “Cherry Pink Cha-Cha” also goes by the alternate title “Cherry Pink Mambo.”
Thank you, life.
[Chilean Folklore] “Gracias a la vida,” written and composed by Violeta Parra.
Vocal & guitar: Hideko Tsukida; viola: Tomoe Kobayashi; Portuguese guitar: Tamotsu Kamikawa; accordion: Yuki Makita.
At Azalea Taisho Hall in Osaka.